The Importance of the 180 Degree Rule

Geoffrey Quist
Alex Bordino
Introduction to Non Linear Editing
6 May 2015

The Importance of the 180 Degree Rule

When directing/editing film, there is a certain axis the director/editor must follow in order to sustain a constant on screen relationship between the characters in a dialogue scene. This concept is known as the 180 degree rule. Following this rule helps the audience visually and mentally connect to the actions the characters are doing in the scene. If a director/editor breaks this rule, the scene will feel disoriented to the audience, causing them to lose that connection with the characters on the screen. Altering the perspective of each character may cause a false interpretation for the viewer as well. The axis that the director/editor must follow is a straight line that crosses from one side of the scene to the other and through the characters as well. Once the director/editor has acquired this axis, they must follow it from start to finish in order to sustain a connection with the audience and the characters. Establishing the 180 degree rule emphasizes the connected relationship the audience must have with the characters of a dialogue scene and without it, the connection may be misinterpreted or nonexistent.